21 Mar 2021

There are 329 472 learners at primary school level and 1 375 433 text books which gives a ratio of text books to pupils as 4.2 books per learner at all levels. Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja stated that the ministry had prescribed seven books for each primary school learner, thus representing 60 per cent availability.

She said at junior secondary level, they had 134 174 learners and 676 283 text books, which gives a ratio of 5.0 text books per learner instead of the required 17, adding that the ministry had prescribed up to 17 text books for each junior secondary learner ‘which represents 29 per cent availability.’ 

“At senior secondary level, we have 46 160 learners and a total of 322 209 text books, which gives a ratio of 6.9 text books per learner instead of the required 17.” She pointed out that the ministry had prescribed up to 17 text books for each senior secondary learner depending on their subject choices. “This represents 40 per cent availability,” she said.

She noted that the figures did not include class sets of books that were used to augment those issued to learners. Francistown South legislator, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked the minister to appraise Parliament on the current text book pupil ratio primary to secondary level. ends